Tulsans Show Support For Businesses Damaged By Fire At 18th and Boston

Green Country businesses and patrons are rallying around two restaurants that are impacted by Wednesday night’s fire near 18th and Boston.

The building at 18th and Boston is home to four restaurants. Two of them will be closed for a while because of the fire damage.

Within hours of the news, businesses announced ways to support BurnCo and FarmBar employees who will be without work.

Firefighters spent more than three hours working to control the flames at BurnCo.

Cody Voyles described what he saw around 10:30 Wednesday night while leaving his shift at TXMZ, which is three doors down from BurnCo.

"I noticed some black smoke bellowing out the back end, so I'm looking down, trying to figure out which building it was and seeing it was Burnco,” explained Voyles. “So, I let everybody know in here, and me and the bartender ended up running over to the fire station across the street."

Firefighters said the fire started between the ceiling and roof. The cause is undetermined.

At FarmBar next door, co-owner Linda Ford said her restaurant has heavy smoke and water damage, which is forcing the business to close for at least two weeks for restoration.

"Our overwhelming response was just one of great relief that there wasn't any more damage than what we had experienced," said Ford.

Over at Dalesandro's two doors down from the fire, the Italian restaurant is open with minimal damage.

Owner, Sonny Dalesandro, said he is grateful firefighters ran in to grab three important photos of his grandparents and great-grandparents that were hung on the wall.

"The picture was important to me, not just because it's my family, but it's kind of what this place, we strive for it to represent," explained Dalesandro.

Those able to keep their doors open are figuring out how to help their neighbors who will not have a paycheck for a while.

"It's such a beautiful industry, and it's really hard to watch the people who are involved in it get hurt," said Dalesandro.

Across the street at Mercury Lounge, co-owner Bobby Dean Orcutt said his staff are organizing a benefit this on February 20 to help BurnCo and FarmBar.

"The first messages we got were, 'This happened, and what are we doing about it?'” said Orcutt. “And then, our general manager, Ashley, really just kind of like, took the ball and ran with it."

Orcutt said donations collected during Sunday's brunch and shows will go to affected employees.

At FarmBar, Ford said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

"I just can't even imagine having a restaurant anywhere else but Tulsa,” said Ford. “The Tulsa community is just incredible."

Other businesses are also collaborating by donating gift cards for a raffle, with the money going to affected employees.

BurnCo posted on its Facebook page Thursday night:

News On 6 will share those details when we learn more.